PROJECT Articles
Project Articles
The Revival of an Heirloom Antique Wardrobe
This 19th-century hall robe was brought in by our client, who wanted to preserve its charm and return it to its former grandeur. Historically, standing wardrobes are part of the evolution from trunks to modern-day closets for the essential household function of holding linens. Ranging from simplistic to opulently adorned, wardrobes can be full of craftsmanship and character.
Currier Before Ives
This lithograph of “The Presidents of the United States” published by Nathaniel Currier (American, 1813-1888) arrived at our studio in poor condition water staining, discoloration, tears, and creasing. The glass on the accompanying frame was broken and the upper half missing, which left the sheet open to years of uneven exposure. The antique frame itself had several areas of veneer delamination and loss.
Restoration of a Prized Victrola
This prized 1908 Victrola model VV-XX phonograph arrived at our studio with a deteriorated finish delaminating veneer and extensive wear to the gilt ornamentation. This floor-standing model features an internal horn and has an unusually decorative cabinet with premium mahogany book-matched veneer on the doors as well as gilded, dimensional foliate scrollwork on the corners, sides, and feet.
The Recovery of a Thomas Hart Benton
This Thomas Hart Benton lithograph, “Cradling Wheat,” was published as an edition of 250 in 1939 by Associated American Artists. Benton was known for his harmonious compositions elevating everyday life and exploring the relationship of man and nature, but when nature took a turn for the worse this piece was put at risk of being lost to a flood.
An Infinite Expanse of Sky, A Custom Mount for a Kite
By April Hann Lanford
We recently collaborated with our client to create a custom tabletop display for their piece:
Kite from An Infinite Expanse of Sky, 1997
By Jacob Hashimoto (American, b. 1973)
The 21st Century Marriage of a 19th Century Painting and Frame
Our client arrived with this beautiful portrait and a 19th-century frame that they purchased from a store. At first glance it seemed to be the perfect match, however, the portrait width and height did not match the frame.
Conservation of Two Leonard Baskin Lithographs
Leonard Baskin (August 15, 1922 – June 3, 2000) was a prominent, award-winning artist of the mid-20th century. Spanning the mediums of sculpture, printmaking, illustration, and graphic design, and founding Gehenna Press (1942–2000), his work captures the human figure in commanding and despairing portrayals.
Conservation of a Turn-of-the-Century Louis Vuitton Trunk
By April Hann Lanford
The son of a carpenter, French designer Louis Vuitton Malletier started his career as an apprentice at a box-making and packing workshop at the age of thirteen. In 1854, Vuitton started his business from the ground up with his state-of-the-art steamer trunks.
Click Here to Read More…
A Custom Vitrine to Display a Vera Wang Wedding Gown
By April Hann Lanford
From the moment our client came to us with her elegant Vera Wang Hayley Wedding Gown and the desire to have it on display, we were in love with the idea. The elaborate gown was far too strikingly elegant to be tucked away in an heirloom box in a closet.
Restoration of an Antique Louis XV Revival Desk
By April Hann Lanford
We had the privilege of restoring a Louis XV style desk and extending its legacy. This heirloom 18th-century style writing desk sustained years of use, and exposure from sunlight and climate fluctuation. While windows provide a great view and are an ideal spot to sit and work nearby; the sunlight can fade finishes, upholstery, and degrade wood.
School for Scandal, The Preservation Framing of a 1797 Playbill
This original playbill for the May 29, 1797 performance of “School of Scandal” at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London is the prized heirloom of a client who reached out to Artifact about preservation and framing for her unique piece. As fans of history and of the theater, the family cherished this playbill for over two generations.
THe creation of a custom gilded frame
This beautiful portrait from the early 1930s was painted by Chicago artist, William Carqueville (1871-1946). We wanted to design a frame that not only complimented the painting, but also wanted it to look like it was made at the same time as the portrait. The portrait commanded an elegant frame, but, nothing too ornate.
Overview of Articles
Our educational articles are updated regularly. Click on each title below to learn more
We are available to assist you
Main Location
840 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60642
Mon-Fri: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sun: Closed
Complimentary parking is available in the loading zone in front of the building
We can also serve you by appointment at our other locations in the Chicagoland area.
Additional Locations
Schiller Park • Highland Park • Lake Forest • Lincoln Park • Nashville, TN
Copyright 2024, Artifact Services, LLC | An Artmill Group Company